Should traditional mail still be used?

It’s a battle between tradition and innovation.

In an unscientific survey conducted by the MediaPlex, the majority of the respondents believe people should still subscribe and use the traditional mailing services to receive letters, notices and bills.

The survey respondents were 20 people between the ages of 18-35. Eleven were women and 9 were men. The survey was conducted in-person and online.

“It serves as backup which you may use in certain circumstances like if you ran out of battery, no internet to use and others,” said Peme Joy Villanueva, one of the respondents. “You can just carry the hard copy of your bills to pay in the bank.”

Based on the survey, 12 out of 20 people prefer to receive their mail, letters, bills and notices in both services — via paperless and paper services.

Villanueva likes both.

“People nowadays always check their phones,” she said. “A simple notification from any of the social media accounts makes you pick up your phone and check it. In general, it’s convenient, real-time and easily noticeable as long as you have a signal.”

Taking consideration of the earth is what made her decide to subscribe to paperless as well.

“’Let’s go green’ is my reason,” said Villanueva. “I suddenly remember how many trees are being chopped down each year just to produce paper.”

Angelie Agustin, another respondent, receives credit card bills and medical bills. She also has received her G1 driver’s license via mail since she moved to Canada. She favours paperless services.

“It is more convenient since everyone has their phones everywhere and anytime,” said Agustin. “We are in an era that makes everything fast and simple by just one click away.”

Based on the survey, bills are at the top of the list of what the respondents receive in their mail. Next are coupons, then letters.

Thirteen out of 20 survey respondents receive 1-5 pieces of mail each month, while seven of them receive 6-10 monthly.

The survey asked where the respondents wanted to receive their letters, notices, bills and coupons. Nine said they would like to receive them in their mail. One said via text message, eight through email and two said they want to receive theirs through a mobile application.

Out of 20 people asked, 12 people answered “no” when asked if people should subscribe to paperless services.

According to UNI Global Union, paper mail creates jobs.

“The postal sector employs more than 5.3 million workers around the globe and is the second biggest employer in many countries,” UNI Global Union said on its website. “It’s so important to have high-quality jobs and well-trained workers to keep the post ready to meet society’s needs in times of crisis and beyond.”